BUDDHISM

WARM UP

What is the caste system? What is the ultimate goal of a Hindu follower?

What are they trying to achieve? Name the three gods that we have talked

about with Hinduism and what their role is. What is the difference between karma and

dharma?

THE HISTORY OF BUDDHISM Siddhartha

SIDDHARTHA

Siddhartha Gautama – The founder of Buddhism. Born into a noble family that lived in

Nepal. Prophecy said:

If he stayed at home: He would become a world ruler

If he left home: He would become a universal spiritual leader.

His father isolated him in his palace so that he would not leave.

Siddhartha eventually explores outside his palace and witnesses an old man, a sick man, and a corpse.Decides that the only way to get refuge

from inevitable suffering is through a religious life.

Decides that the only way to get refuge from inevitable suffering is through a religious life. He wandered the forests of India for 6

years seeking enlightenment (wisdom).

Meditated for 49 days under a fig tree. Achieved an understanding of the cause of

suffering in this world. Became known as the Buddha.

Siddhartha rejected the idea of the caste system.Many of his followers included

laborers and craftspeople.

Monks and nuns took vows to live a life of poverty, to be nonviolent, and not to marry.

Wandered around India spreading the Buddha's teachings.Missionaries carried only a begging bowl to

receive daily charity offerings from people.

Buddhist Monks in Thailand

Buddhism spread throughout Asia through trade routes. It was not particularly strong in India.

Buddhism and Hinduism often blended into each other.

TEACHINGS Four noble truths and the eight fold path.

BUDDHISMFour Noble Truths:1. Suffering is a part of life.

2. Suffering is caused by people’s greed and craving for things. (selfishness)

3. Suffering will stop if selfishness is overcome.

4. The way to bring suffering to an end is to follow the Eightfold Path.

EIGHTFOLD PATH:

1. Accept the Four Noble Truths. (Awareness)

2. Think in the right way which leads you to help others. (Thought)

3. Be kind in speech, avoid boasting, gossip and lies. (Speech)

4. Do what is right (Action)

5. Earn your living in a way which is good. (Livelihood)

6. Avoid evil thoughts and actions; work hard. (Effort)

7. Learn to meditate. (Concentration)

8. Be at peace in your mind. (Understanding)

Leads to Nirvana – a state of freedom from the cycle of rebirth; one with the universe.

QUESTIONHow would you compare and contrast Buddhism and Hinduism?

Buddhist Monks in Paris

Buddhist Nuns in Myanmar